Explore Robotics
Robotics examines machines that sense, plan and act in physical environments. This subject guide introduces the questions, methods and practical work that help learners understand the field before choosing a formal course of study.
A strong starting point is to connect kinematics with embedded systems. The first develops a foundation for reasoning; the second provides a setting in which to test ideas. Keep a learning journal that records assumptions, sources and questions that remain unresolved.
Four areas to investigate
Kinematics
Connect kinematics to the study of machines that sense, plan and act in physical environments. Compare an introductory explanation with a worked example, then describe where the approach is useful and where it may fail.
Embedded systems
Connect embedded systems to the study of machines that sense, plan and act in physical environments. Compare an introductory explanation with a worked example, then describe where the approach is useful and where it may fail.
Computer vision
Connect computer vision to the study of machines that sense, plan and act in physical environments. Compare an introductory explanation with a worked example, then describe where the approach is useful and where it may fail.
Motion planning
Connect motion planning to the study of machines that sense, plan and act in physical environments. Compare an introductory explanation with a worked example, then describe where the approach is useful and where it may fail.
Learn through inquiry
Simulate a mobile robot navigating a shared space and assess failure cases.
Begin with a question narrow enough to investigate. Decide what evidence would support an answer, document the method and explain what further work would be needed.